surly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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It’s not hard to see why Platner is so surly in his 11-minute Wednesday video announcing that he would end his campaign.
From Slate ● Jul. 11, 2026
Beca is a surly delinquent of questionable judgment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026
I recommend having a ‘go box’ for when you slip these surly bonds of earth.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 20, 2025
When reporters learned his cousin Buono was his suspected accomplice, they drove to Glendale but found him a surly subject.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2025
“I thought you a surly type at first, but I see you’re not. Listen, then. I know no more of what I’m doing than a hound knows of kittens. Do you understand this gold washing?”
From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
He was a surly, proud character who only got surlier and prouder in his old age.
From Slate ● Feb. 10, 2020
As you enjoy your coq au vin this summer in a quaint Parisian bistro, you may find the staff even surlier than usual.
From Slate ● Jul. 24, 2014
After another pricey ride with an even surlier cab driver, our first night at Book Expo was drawing to a close.
From Time ● May 30, 2013
“He’s basically a surlier version of myself,” Mr. Elliott said.
From New York Times ● Jan. 30, 2011
“Great!” the man enthused, ignoring or not hearing the surlier comments.
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
His kids — including the surliest teens this side of the Atlantic — want nothing to do with him.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 13, 2021
The other is the latest, and perhaps surliest, entry in the crowded field of shows about teens trying to fit in.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2021
To be fair, the surliest cities also tend to be the biggest and most fast-paced, which may give visitors an air of indifference—whether it’s intentional or not.
From Time ● Aug. 13, 2015
At the end of the Kettleman’s story arc, the great Jonathan Banks gets to do something besides be the world’s surliest parking attendant.
From Forbes ● Feb. 17, 2015
The Daisy is one of the few flowers of which the child may pick any quantity without fear of scolding from the surliest gardener.
From The plant-lore & garden-craft of Shakespeare by Henry Nicholson Ellacombe
Vocabulary lists containing surly
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 7
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